Gaston, Joseph.  "Portland, Oregon Its History and Builders."  Vol. 2. 
Chicago and Portland, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911. p. 262.
 
ALEXANDER SWEEK

     A prominent Portland lawyer and distinguished political leader of the state
who since June, 1905, has been chairman of the democratic state central
committee, Hon. Alexander Sweek is leaving the impress of his individuality upon
the history of the commonwealth, especially in those lines which affect the
political and legal status of the state.  Moreover he is one of the native sons
of Oregon and a representative of one of its pioneer families.  His parents,
John and Maria (Beard) Sweek, were natives of St. Genevieve, Missouri, and the
former was a farmer by occupation.  On coming to Oregon he settled on a donation
claim in Washington county where he resided until his death, in February, 1890,
giving his attention largely to general agricultural pursuits.  He was active in
public affairs although never an office seeker.  His cooperation however was
given to those movements and projects which were based upon the county's needs
and opportunities for development.  His widow still survives and is yet living
in Washington county.
     Alexander Sweek was born in Tualitin, Washington county, August 6, 1861,
and acquired his early education in the district schools after which he attended
the Pacific University, at Forest Grove, Oregon, until the senior year when
illness obliged him to discontinue his studies.  He turned his attention to the
profession of law in 1883 when he began a preliminary course in reading under
the direction of Milton W. Smith.  Five years were devoted to the mastery of the
principles of jurisprudence and at the end of that time he successfully passed
the required examinations which secured his admission to the bar.  In the
meantime, in 1886, he became Oregon representative for swamp lands in the state
and after serving in that capacity for some time located in Portland for the
practice of law.  His forcefulness and resourcefulness in this field were soon
evident and his correct application of legal principles and his clear and cogent
reasoning won him success in his trial of causes before the court.  In 1896 he
was called to the bench of the municipal court over which he presided for two
years.
     While Portland knows Mr. Sweek as an able and successful member of her bar
he is more widely known throughout the state as the author of the bill on
assessment and taxation which in 1901 was passed by the state legislature and is
now found upon the statute books of the state.  He was at that time a member of
the upper house, having in 1900 been nominated by the democracy to represent the
district, comprising Multnomah, Washington and Columbia counties, in the senate.
His clear exposition of every measure which was brought before the senate won
for them a strong following.  He served until 1903 and in June, 1905, he was
chosen chairman of the democratic state central committee, in which position he
has since continued, his labors being an effective force in promoting the
interests of his party in this state.  His astute judgment, powers of
organization and initiative spirit have been manifest in the work which he has
done in this connection.  In addition to his other offices, Mr. Sweek was
referee in bankruptcy from the time of the creation of that office in 1898 until
1906.
     His attractive social qualities render him popular in the various
organizations with which he is connected.  He has served as exalted ruler in the
local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and in Forest Grove
Lodge he became a Master Mason.  He is now a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 12,
A.F. & A.M., of Portland, of which he is a past master; Portland Chapter,
R.A.M.; and Oregon consistory, No. 1, A. & A.S.R.  He is also active in the
Knights of Pythias Lodge, of which he is a past chancellor, and the Order of Red
Men.  He belongs to the leading clubs of the city, including the University,
Multnomah Amateur Club and likewise belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and the
Commercial Club.  He has been termed "a deservedly popular, highly esteemed and
influential citizen of Portland."


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in September 2006 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.